Merrimack Town Councilor Wins State Rep Special Election

MERRIMACK, NH — Bill Boyd, a Republican and town councilor in Merrimack, has won the special election for the Hillsborough District 21 seat on Tuesday.

Boyd beat former state Rep. Wendy Thomas, 2,531 to 2,144. Steven Hollenberg, a member of the American Solidarity Party, ran a distant third with 104 votes. The seat was vacant due to the death of former Speaker of the House, Dick Hinch, who died of COVID-19 last year.

The town ran out of ballots toward the end of the voting, according to a number of reports, due to heavier than expected turnout — around 5,000 votes. Votes were taken on alternative ballots and later, hand-counted, which is why the results took so long to count.

Out of state money played a heavy factor in the race with all kinds of special interests throwing thousands of dollars at the race and holding fundraisers via Zoom. Thomas, who served between 2018 and 2020, lost re-election in 2020, coming in 10th out of 16 candidates despite President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen winning in what is traditionally considered a Republican stronghold. Donald Trump and nearly every other Republican won all of their races in the town in 2016.

House Speaker Sherm Packard (R-Londonderry) congratulated Boyd and said he will make a great addition to the House.

"I am confident Bill will fight for the people of Merrimack and make sure their best interests are represented," he said. "His enthusiasm in improving the Granite State and ensuring it remains a great place for families, businesses and consumers makes him an excellent addition to the NH House of Representatives. With his help, we will continue working hard for the People of NH, and keep our promise by lowering taxes, eliminating wasteful spending, and putting money back into the pockets of our constituents."

House Majority Leader, state Rep. Jason Osborne (R-Auburn), also offered congratulations after a "hard-fought campaign" and said he was happy that Hinch's former seat remained with the GOP.

"Losing in Merrimack was never an option, and we had a tall order against liberal, deep-pocket, out of state special interests that attempted to buy the election," he said. "For the last decade Bill has advocated for his constituents on the town council, and he will bring that same energy and enthusiasm to Concord to continue the fight on behalf of Merrimack. Tonight, I'm thrilled to welcome Bill Boyd to the Republican caucus. With his help we will continue to improve the Granite State."

Thomas said, despite the loss, "this water warrior is not done yet," and it was not the end but the beginning.

"Thank you to everyone who supported me in this journey," she said. "I'm so grateful for the volunteers and voters who believed in this phenomenal campaign. Because of your efforts, we were able to raise historic amounts of grassroots donations, send thousands of handwritten postcards, and engage with over 11,000 Merrimack voters. I am, as I have been my entire life, a fighter of what is right and good. Whether it is standing up for racial justice, fighting for clean water and clean air, or ensuring access to affordable health care, I am in this battle for the people of Merrimack."

Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said Thomas ran a strong race in a traditionally Republican town — showing "just how strong our Democratic values are in red areas" around New Hampshire.

"I want to congratulate Wendy on a well-run campaign that brought in support from Granite Staters who believe in her values fighting for health care, clean water and small businesses," he said. "Wendy took on an important fight, and we’re proud of what she accomplished in the continued journey to turn Merrimack blue."

Boyd did not return an email seeking comment before post time.

Town and school election results were not available at post time and will be posted as soon as they are available.

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